The European Broadcasting Union rowed back from a statement the EBU’s president, Jean-Paul Philippot, gave to the Financial Times Tuesday, in which he warned that Poland faced being thrown out of the organization, and therefore out of Eurovision.

Philippot “misspoke” when suggesting Poland could lose its place in the yearly song contest, the EBU said.

“The EBU is not considering expelling its Polish members TVP [Telewizja Polska] and Polskie Radio,” the EBU said in a statement. A spokesperson said the EBU wanted to work with its members, not kick them out of the organization.

However, the organization said it was “very concerned about Poland’s new media law and will continue to campaign to protect pluralism and freedom of the media in the country.”

A dancer performs during the Polish performance in the the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 final

“Poland’s place at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is secure,” the EBU said.

This year’s Polish Eurovision entrant is Monika Kuszyńska, who says she wants to “to build the bridge of tolerance in the name of love.”

The EBU is made up of public broadcasters from across the Continent and further afield. Only EBU members are allowed to take part in the song contest. The EBU’s members include Azerbaijan, Russia and Egypt, whose governments have been accused of human rights violations.

The European Commission decided Wednesday to launch a probe into Poland’s clampdown on its Constitutional Tribunal, taking the first step toward possible sanctions of Warsaw for actions that may violate the Union’s democratic principles.

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Veritas-Semper

This is simply the worst “news” of the day. Poland will have to share the stage with likes of bearded Cunchita Wurst.

Posted on 1/13/16 | 7:31 PM CEST

POOlish guy

Yeah..
Why Poland should take part in this stupid contest .We don’t have birded women or man with vagina on his forhead..No chance for winning..

Posted on 1/13/16 | 7:47 PM CEST

Alan

Being forced to stay in Eurovision sounds like inhumane & degrading punishment……!

Posted on 1/13/16 | 8:34 PM CEST

derby

Misspeaking seems to by a new Brussels’ sport as of late.. EBU or whatever the name of this petty self-enriching mafia, we do not really care!

Posted on 1/13/16 | 10:15 PM CEST

Mr.T

…dang, that means I’ll have to find a way to explain Mister Wurst to kids.
Perhaps I’ll just go with the “box of surreal horrors” and take them for a long, nice walk in the park… heck, I should probably just get rid of the damned TV – who cares about that crap, so XX-century.